A Case of Acute Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease Presenting as Cauda Equina Syndrome and Fournier´s Gangrene

Abstract

Aortoiliac occlusive disease presents itself more frequently as chronic claudication, erectile dysfunction, and absent femoral pulses. Its acute manifestation is less frequently encountered in a clinical practice; hence, it presents sometimes as a diagnostic challenge. We illustrate a case of acute aortoiliac occlusive disease presenting with spinal cord ischemia and gluteal and scrotal necroses, which was initially diagnosed and treated as spinal cord compression. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, careful examination of peripheral pulses of both lower limbs should always be part of the initial evaluation of cauda syndrome and paraplegia and when Fournier’s gangrene is suspected.